Diplomatic solidarity in times of crisis

The chairperson of the African Union Commission arrived in Bamako this weekend for an official visit aimed at deepening ties with Mali despite its suspension from AU bodies since 2021. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf conveyed the organisation’s full solidarity with the Malian government as it confronts escalating armed threats across the country.

While Mali remains suspended following the 2021 coup d’état—a measure taken to pressure the military junta toward constitutional restoration—the AU has refused to sever diplomatic channels. Instead, the organisation continues to engage through its Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel and the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), reaffirming that Mali’s stability is integral to continental security.

The AU’s stance reflects a delicate balance: upholding democratic principles while acknowledging that isolation would only exacerbate the crisis. This visit underscores Bamako’s importance in the broader Sahel security framework.

From rhetoric to action: the call for tangible support

Experts like Alioune Tine, founder of Africa Jom Center, argue that solidarity must move beyond words. He urges the AU to mobilise additional resources, including troop deployments from member states and financial aid, to directly assist Mali in its fight against terrorism. “What Mali needs most is action—concrete solidarity that translates into boots on the ground and logistical backing,” Tine emphasised.

The AU’s current approach prioritises dialogue and political solutions, even as the 2015 Algiers Agreement faces growing challenges. With separatist factions in northern Mali now aligned with extremist groups like the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), concerns are mounting about the conflict’s evolution. The AU has repeatedly rejected the legitimacy of these alliances and their demands, insisting on a united Malian territory.

The constraints of collective action

Aly Tounkara, a security analyst at the Sahel Strategic and Security Studies Centre, highlights the AU’s structural limitations. “Achieving a unified stance on military or intelligence support is nearly impossible when member states themselves struggle to align on broader Sahel strategies,” he noted. Tounkara also pointed to the AU’s reliance on external donors, which often complicates decision-making and delays impactful interventions.

While the AU remains a vocal advocate for Mali’s territorial integrity, its ability to deliver meaningful assistance is hindered by political fragmentation and funding gaps. As the security situation deteriorates, the question lingers: will this visit remain a symbolic gesture, or will it signal a turning point toward more robust AU engagement in the Sahel?